Planning the summer programme

Our WEA (Workers' Educational Association) branch doesn't have tutored sessions from April to October: instead, there is an informal programme of 'learning circle' events made up of day/half day trips out, and lectures/talks in the community centre at Stonehouse.

We met today to plan the programme. I attended my first WEA class (creative writing) 20 years ago, at the age of 30. I was the youngest member by a long chalk. Now, at 50, I am still the youngest member. I recently joined the committee as T, the smartly dressed gentleman on the right, is 81 and, now that he is married, wants to resign his post(s) of Secretary and, er, Something Else. I feel that meaningful glances are being directed my way.

In the meantime, I helped with the planning of a packed summer programme, and agreed to give a talk/demo on aromatherapy in September. We are going to Cheltenham's revamped art gallery and museum next week, for our first outing. Apparently, this is the first time that the plans for the whole season have been drawn up in one session!

Afterwards, I got a lift Stroud's outskirts, and then walked up from the Cainscross area, across the railway bridge and into the former village of Cashe's Green, now a large area of mixed housing called Cashes Green, regarded as a suburb of Stroud. I was going to visit my friend Karen, who recently moved from my street to Cashes Green. I miss her, but her new house is much nicer ( and less damp) and the street is, too. The bus service to Stroud town is a lot more frequent (every 20 minutes during the day) and it's closer to her daughter's school. All in all, it's a good move for them.

As I waited for the bus in the mellow spring evening, looking at the fields and open countryside bursting with blossom, I thought to take out my camera. Just then, the bus arrived, putting paid to further creative activities. So, today's shot is the learning circle. I hope you'll learn from it!